Entry-Level Nurse Anesthetist Salary in Brandon, MS: $139,949 (2026)
Quick Answer:New nurse anesthetists entering the Brandon, MS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $139,949 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1151, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Brandon's local price level (BEA RPP 85.7 — 14% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $163,301 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($203,285) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the nurse anesthetist field in Brandon, MS, the projected starting salary in 2026 presents a solid launching point. Entry-level positions offer pay beginning at around $139,949, which reflects a notable gap from the city's median annual salary of $203,285. As professionals advance in their careers, salaries are expected to rise significantly, with the potential to earn $181,236 at the 25th percentile within just a few years. This growth trajectory suggests that Brandon’s market is conducive for early-career CRNAs, providing a pathway for solid financial progression as they gain experience in this demanding yet rewarding profession.
About the Brandon Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($205,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Brandon
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Brandon
Entry-level nurse anesthetists in Brandon, MS typically start between $139,949 and $181,236 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $148,577 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $203,285 — 18.32% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in Mississippi of $65,000 represents just 46.45% of the starting nurse anesthetist pay ($139,949/year) in Brandon. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on COA-accredited (Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs) DNP/DNAP program data and AANA member tuition surveys. Tuition-only averages; actual costs vary significantly by institution type (public vs. private university) and residency status. Most programs require 1+ years ICU RN experience before admission.
CRNA Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Brandon
- 1Research the Brandon market: entry-level nurse anesthetist pay ranges from $139,949 to $181,236, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the nursing field — employers in MS often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Brandon, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Brandon for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Brandon's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Nurse Anesthetist Compensation Range
The nurse anesthetist wage spread in Brandon is $148,577 ( 106.17%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $139,949, experienced hygienists can earn up to $288,526.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$109,235
2025 BLS Actual
$133,031
2026 Current Est.
$139,949
2019–2027 Growth
+34.8%
Salary Trajectory for Nurse Anesthetists in Brandon (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $109,235 | Actual |
| 2020 | $114,797 | Actual |
| 2021 | $112,971 | Actual |
| 2022 | $123,280 | Actual |
| 2023 | $119,946 | Actual |
| 2024 | $108,123 | Actual |
| 2025 | $133,031 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $139,949 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $147,226 | Projected |
Entry-level nurse anesthetist compensation (10th percentile) in Brandon, MS grew 21.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $109,235 in 2019 to $133,031 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $147,226. New graduates entering the Brandon job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Brandon metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 5.20% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your nursing Career in Brandon
In Brandon, several key employers actively recruit new grad nurse anesthetists, including academic medical centers that provide a diverse case mix. Large hospital systems also feature structured transition-to-practice programs that aid in the acclimation process for recent graduates. While pursuing a CRNA license and NBCRNA certification are fundamental to bolster starting compensation, engaging in fellowships or obtaining a Doctorate (DNP or DNAP) can expedite salary increases. New CRNAs typically find themselves working under the Anesthesia Care Team model, as Mississippi does not opt-out from strict regulations regarding anesthesiologist supervision. During their first years in practice, an incremental rise in salary is anticipated, and aligning with CRNA-owned group practices or exploring outpatient surgery centers may ensure that new graduates in Brandon achieve a balanced lifestyle while gaining valuable experience in the field.
More salary data for Brandon, MS:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Alexandra Johnson, MSN, CRNA
Career Analyst
Alexandra Johnson has 10 years of experience as a nurse anesthetist. She specializes in anesthesia for orthopedic surgeries. She works in a regional medical center.
Methodology & Data Source
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new nursing graduates. A 5.20% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Brandon. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Brandon is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.20%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for nurse anesthetists (SOC 29-1151).
Compiled and verified by Alexandra Johnson, MSN, CRNA, a licensed nurse anesthetist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov